Dating: The Dos and Don’ts of Reconnecting With Old Boyfriends When You’re Home For Thanksgiving

In my hometown, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is a total fustercluck (new word—learn it, love it!) because all of my high school friends pack into the bars to reminisce. And inevitably, I’ll run into an ex-BF—I’ve already had two call me and ask if I’ll be around. Mercifully, I’m staying in New York for Turkey Day, so my old dating life won't haunt me this year. But for those of you who are headed out of town, here are my Dos and Don’ts of reconnecting with old boyfriends when you’re home for Thanksgiving!

DO say hi if you see him

He sees you, you see him—there’s no point in pretending otherwise. Be a grown-up, walk over and say hi, make a little small talk and then peace out if it gets awkward.

DON'T hook up with him for old times’ sake

“What’s the harm?!” you might ask yourself, especially if you’re already feeling stifled and isolated in your hometown. But sex with an ex is usually not the best idea; you’ll reopen old issues and kick-start the high school rumor mill! Besides, there’s always the chance that your ex is just as awkward in bed as he was back in the day. Yikes.

DO tell him if you’re dating someone new

Don’t pretend to be single if you’re not, just to “see where things go” with your ex. You know where they go, remember? You’ve been down this road before. You don’t need to gush on and on about your amazing new boyfriend. A simple, “Life is good; I'm dating a great guy—no complaints!” will suffice.

DON'T dredge up old issues

Between grandma needling you about still being single and drunken Uncle Marty spiking the eggnog, do you really need more drama over the holiday? Let sleeping dogs lie when you see your ex and remember that the issues you have with him are from the past. You’ve moved on. Even if you haven’t, trust me, just pretend.

How do you deal with seeing your exes over the holidays? Do you ever want to get back together with them? Or has that ship sailed ages ago?